Apprenticeship funding announced at National Apprenticeship Conference

The launch of the Apprenticeship Service stands to help overcome financial barriers employers face when hiring and training first-year apprentices, according to the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF-FCA).

Carla Qualtrough, minister of employment, workforce development, and disability inclusion, announced a $247 million investment in employer supports at the CAF-FCA’s National Apprenticeship Conference in Halifax. CAF-FCA receives $45 million of that funding to administer grants to employers who hire first-year apprentices in 39 Red Seal trades and help first-year apprentices get hands-on work experience.

The financial incentives, which are available to small and medium-sized employers, are $5,000 per apprentice per year for a maximum of two Level 1 apprentices per employer, or $10,000 per apprentice per year for a maximum of two Level 1 apprentices if the apprentice identifies as being from an under-represented group.

“The federal government’s announcement is a reflection of the critical role of the skilled trades to Canada’s economy,” said France Daviault, executive director of CAF-FCA. “Apprenticeship remains the best way to develop highly skilled trades professionals, and these incentives will ensure that a broad pool of talent is available to employers with the expertise to train them.”

CAF-FCA will collaborate with BuildForce Canada, SkillPlan, ApprenticeSearch.com, Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board, and the Canadian Construction Association.